Tire Safety Tips to Keep in Mind This Summer

Anyone who has spent time in Florida knows that the summer months can get hot. While many people find ways to cool themselves off by heading to the pool or the beach, there are also other risks that come with higher temperatures. Warm weather, for instance, significantly increases the chances of a tire blowout, which in turn can lead to serious accidents. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that tire failure causes more than 11,000 car accidents every year, many of which occur between mid-May and mid-October. We’ve included a few safety tips to help you avoid being the cause of such an accident this summer.

Examine Your Tire Treads Regularly 

The summer heat significantly increases the temperature of the asphalt, which, combined with the friction that comes with regular driving, can break down tires more quickly and eventually result in a blowout. One of the best ways to avoid this is to check your tires regularly and replace them when they’re worn out due to age or damage. Keep an eye out for worn treads, as tires with shallower treads are far more vulnerable to blowouts, especially when the asphalt is hot. Generally, tires with treads of 2/32 inches or less are not considered safe for driving. One way to check this is to place a penny in the tread of the tire with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you are still able to see the top of the president’s head, then your treads are worn and you’ll need to think about replacing your tires soon.

Check Your Tire Pressure 

Besides examining your tire treads regularly, it’s also a good idea to check your tire pressure this summer, making sure that they are inflated to the proper level. The recommended pounds per square inch (PSI) for the tires on your vehicle can be found on the inside of your driver’s door and in the vehicle owner’s manual. Be sure to keep a tire pressure gauge in your car so you can check that your tires are still at the recommended PSI. It’s important to take this step at least monthly, as tire pressure can fluctuate a lot with the change in temperature.

Balance and Align Your Tires 

Driving on under or overinflated tires can cause a weight imbalance on your tires, which can then lead to uneven wear and tear and an increased chance of a blowout. To avoid this, motorists should be sure to have their tires balanced regularly. When doing so, also consider having your alignment checked. Tire alignment involves the adjustment of a car’s suspension, which connects a vehicle to its wheels, so that the angles of the tires come into contact with the road correctly. A suspension that is unaligned can also lead to uneven tire wear and damage to the overall structure of the tire.

Here to Help with Your Financial Recovery 

Unfortunately, even drivers who use the utmost care in maintaining their vehicles and tires could end up in an accident caused by a blown tire. If this happens to you, please reach out to the experienced Tampa auto accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson for an explanation of your legal options.

Sources: 

safercar.gov/tires/index.html

12news.com/article/traffic/arizona-tire-blowout-crashes-car-maintenance/75-45f3da96-c1f7-4598-86f2-6f04ef1ddf41